During World War II the Highland railways played an important role, transporting freight and troops to and from the naval bases, airfields, coastal defences, and supply bases throughout the region. In this audio extract, a former railway employee recalls increased security at the mine-laying depot at Kyle of Lochalsh.

'The station was split in two with a barbed wire fence right through the middle and it meant that the station staff had naturally one side beside the passenger trains and we were not allowed into, or through the barbed wire fencing. I was told that part of my job was to record the wagons going between Kyle and Duirinish and when I tried to get through I wasn't allowed and found that only the stationmaster could get a pass and he had to do this menial job himself'

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Security at Kyle of Lochalsh Station during the war

ROSS: Lochalsh

1980s

Second World War; railways; transportation; audio

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Bill Sinclair Audio: Highland Railways

During World War II the Highland railways played an important role, transporting freight and troops to and from the naval bases, airfields, coastal defences, and supply bases throughout the region. In this audio extract, a former railway employee recalls increased security at the mine-laying depot at Kyle of Lochalsh.<br />
<br />
'The station was split in two with a barbed wire fence right through the middle and it meant that the station staff had naturally one side beside the passenger trains and we were not allowed into, or through the barbed wire fencing. I was told that part of my job was to record the wagons going between Kyle and Duirinish and when I tried to get through I wasn't allowed and found that only the stationmaster could get a pass and he had to do this menial job himself'